Welcome
The Youth Diversion Program is a joint effort between the city of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court. The program’s goal is to divert youth offenders who have committed non-violent, low-level offenses, from the official court process. The Youth Diversion Program addresses the youth’s delinquent behaviors and resolves the matter in the community, while still holding the youth accountable for their actions.
How It Works
When a complaint is filed against a youth, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office will determine if a youth is eligible for the Youth Diversion Program. If eligible, they will forward the youth’s information to the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court’s Early Intervention and Diversion Center (EIDC) where the staff will complete risk/needs assessments on each youth.
The EIDC staff will then refer the youth to the Youth Diversion Program. The Youth Diversion Program staff will contact the parent/guardian and offer the program to them; participation is voluntary. Each youth that agrees to participate will attend a diversion meeting with their assigned caseworker. At the diversion meeting, the caseworker will give the youth accountability-based assignments to complete and also refer them to community resources as needed. Once a youth completes their assignments, their case is closed out of the diversion program and the EIDC staff is notified.
After a Complaint is Filed
When a complaint is filed, the Juvenile Court will determine eligibility for the Youth Diversion Program. If eligible, a caseworker will contact the parent/guardian and offer the program to them. Participation in the program is voluntary. The youth offender and parent/guardian will be required to provide background history information, sign all necessary participation forms, and attend a diversion meeting. At the diversion meeting, the caseworker will administer assignments to complete and make referrals to community resources as needed.